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The Macpherson/Paterson versionThe melody is derived from a popular tune called ‘Craigielee’, (the spelling of the title varies), originally a Scottish song set to music by James Barr, with words by Robert Tannahill. Christina Macpherson, a squatter’s daughter and amateur musician, heard ‘Craigielee’ at a band performance at the Warrnambool races in 1894 and committed it to memory. The tune, the historical events in the district, and perhaps Christina herself inspired Banjo Paterson to write words for the appealing melody when they met at Dagworth homestead in northern Queensland in January 1895. The music notation contains musical errors, for as Christina herself stated, she was not a trained musician. However, it is possible to reconstruct interpretations of the manuscript, as exemplified by folk singer Dave de Hugard. |
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